The International Office for Human Rights Action on Colombia

Colombia EU

Military Criminal jurisdiction: Impunity and green light for the state security forces to continue to commit crimes

by

Concerns for EU reaction following reform of the military justice system which protects the State security forces from justice and leaves victims unprotected.

Brussels, June 27, 2013. On June 17, the Colombian Congress adopted the statutory law regulating military criminal jurisdiction. This statutory Law increases the concerns already raised about the constitutional reform of military criminal jurisdiction. At the same time as the Congress was passing this law, a session of the EU human rights dialogue with Colombia was also taking place. However, instead of expressing concern, the EU offered its cooperation in implementing this reform. This offer of support was repeated when Defence Minister Juan Carlos Pinzon, a fierce advocate of this reform, visited Brussels this week. The EU’s attitude is extremely worrying given the gravity of this reform, which goes against international human rights standards and has been heavily criticized, among others, by the UN.

Regulation of the military criminal jurisdiction reform – Document of analysis

by

The bill, which is about to be adopted, deepens and extends aspects for concern contained in the constitutional reform. It reverses the logic of IHL, converting it into a permissive instrument and protecting the state security forces from justice.

Analysis by Oidhaco in which we present the main points of concern over the bill regulating the military criminal reform which claims to “clarify” the provisions of international humanitarian law (IHL).

Colombian Peace Roundtables come to Brussels

by

Colombian Congress Peace Commissions come to Europe to listen to the Colombian community abroad.

Brussels, May 15, 2013. While talks continue between the Colombian government and the FARC, with the aim of ending the armed conflict, the Colombian Congress Peace Commissions have held Regional Peace Roundtables in Colombia to collect proposals from society and transmit them to the official dialogue table in Havana. At the request of the Colombian population abroad, these Roundtables are coming to Europe from 19 to 25 May so that Colombian migrants and exiles are also able to have their voice heard during the process. These ‘European Peace Roundtables’ will take place in Brussels, Berlin, London, Paris and Barcelona, with 7 cross-party members of the Colombian Congress.

Threats against the independence of justice and consolidation of impunity in Colombia

by

Documents of analysis of recent reforms which are of concern – Military jurisdiction, Legal framework for Peace, reforms of the justice system and to the ‘Justice and Peace Law’, the Law on intelligence and counterintelligence.

In December 2012 the Colombian Congress adopted the constitutional reform to military criminal jurisdiction, driven by the government of President Santos.

Our solidarity is universal.

We are deeply concerned about all victims of armed conflict, repression and violence around the world — from Sudan to Syria, including the persecution of the Rohingya and so many other crises that often receive less international attention than they deserve. Each of these situations calls for solidarity, remembrance, justice and action.

However, we have decided to specifically highlight the message ‘Stop Genocide in Palestine’ because what is happening in Palestine represents not only a human tragedy of enormous magnitude, but also a direct challenge to the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law and to the rules-based international system itself. The indifference and complicity of much of the international community in the face of the apartheid regime imposed by the Israeli government on the Palestinian people represent one of the greatest moral and political contradictions of our time.

The persistent violation of essential norms — such as the protection of the civilian population, the prohibition of collective punishment and respect for proportionality in the use of force — not only has devastating consequences for the Palestinian population, but also erodes the global mechanisms designed to limit the power of states and prevent abuses.

When these rules are repeatedly breached without any effective consequences, the framework that protects all populations in conflict situations, anywhere in the world, is weakened. Therefore, speaking out in this case does not mean ignoring other forms of suffering, but rather emphasising the urgency of defending an international order which, if it collapses, leaves everyone in a more vulnerable position.

Drawing attention to this situation is, therefore, an act consistent with the universal values we uphold: the protection of life, human dignity and respect for international law, without exception.

Oidhaco logo - Oficina Internacional de derechos Humanos - Acción Colombia
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.